1. Tell us about yourself:

My name is Kim McCullough and I have the distinct honor of being one of the first athletes Brian trained back in the 90s.  Back then I was an aspiring girls hockey player looking to get a scholarship and play for my national team.  By the time Brian and I started working together, I had already spent 2 years destroying my body doing training that was completely inappropriate for my age, my sport and my gender.  Brian was the first trainer who helped me to realize that more is not better and you don't have to train 24/7 in order to be great.   I used many of the lessons Brian taught me throughout my career and continued to play elite female hockey for the next 14 years.  I finally retired this past March and my reasons were two-fold:

1. My body was so broken from years of training incorrectly, and the surgeries that were required as a result of poor technique and way too much hockey, that hockey became far too painful.  Playing hockey continues to be one of the few things that hurts my back which is so sad considering how much playing the game has brought to my life.

2. On a much happier note, retiring from playing has allowed me to focus on my true passion - helping other girls, who are just as motivated and passionate as I was at their age, develop into better athletes and terrific role models for future generations of players.   Since starting my company, Total Female Hockey, just 7 short months ago, I have been just as excited and enthusiastic about every program, training session and seminar that I provide, as I once was about lacing up the skates.

2. How has being a member of the IYCA impacted you and your career?

Brian and I fell out of touch for a while after I went to university, but he had a dramatic effect on how I trained myself and my choice to coach young athletes while I was still in school.  It wasn't until I had graduated from Dartmouth, done an internship with the guru  of strength and conditioning coach in the hockey world, Mike Boyle, and spent 3 years personal training in Toronto, that Brian and I finally crossed paths again. 

I honestly can't remember how I found Brian again, but I managed to find out about a seminar he was putting on just outside Toronto three years ago and I knew that I had to be there.  It was a great event and absolutely amazing to reconnect with Brian after all those years.

Training young athlete is what I love.  Whereas adult clients tend to suck the energy out of me, working with a group of kids inspires me.  Knowing that I can use my experiences and expertise to help other young females achieve their dreams is truly an honor and a privilege.

3. What is you biggest tip for your fellow IYCA Members?

Follow your passion.  I have been training young athletes for the last 7 years, but it wasn't until I decided to really on focus on doing whatever I can to help young female hockey players become the most complete athletes, students and role models possible that my true passion was ignited.  I thank Brian for helping me to realize that one year ago and I am excited about all of the terrific opportunities my choice to get involved with the IYCA has provided me thus far and will continue to provide me in the future.

Thanks for all of your past, present and future guidance and inspiration.

~ Kim McCullough